The Giant Swing

Bangkok’s scarlet Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha) rises in front of Wat Suthat on Bamrung Muang Road, Old City (Phra Nakhon), a quick stroll from Bangkok City Hall. Once used in a Brahmin ceremony that ended in the 1930s, it’s now a striking landmark and an easy photo stop—free and always open. Hit it at 5pm–6pm for golden light or at 7am before traffic builds. Pair it with Wat Suthat’s mural hall, then walk to Thipsamai on Maha Chai Road for pad thai or Kor Panich on Tanao Road for mango sticky rice. Photographers love long-exposures with buses and tuk-tuks streaking past.